I think I agree ...

... if I understood you correctly. For me, form must not fall in slavery of function, or better: to stir emotions, to please the aesthetic desire of people, is also a part of the function. Even a lemon squeezer is considered "better" if it is felt to be attractive, in spite of leaving far too much juice in the fruit ...

It is not about a Zenith, but I just posted an article specifically dedicated to what might become an "iconic" design of a sports watch:

home.watchprosite.com

So when I wrote about the aspect of a watch's good legibility, I am also aware that sometimes, I would readily sacrifice this feature for pure emotion, or for my perception of beauty:

So when I wear Rainer nienaber's RetroLator, I am willing to miss luminosity, even legibility at a glance, trading it for the joy with a beautiful object. However, the De Luca for me was not artistic enough as a design, so its undisputed attractiveness was not enough to compensate the poor legibility.

Returning to your car example: I think if one has "tools" that perfectly serve their purpose, even without aesthetical uniqueness, then it is easy to tolerate a "diva's" capriciousness. If you had not a reliable BMW for everyday use, I think you would not be ready to forgive the Miura's shortcomings. Well, in my case use "Nissan" and "Land Rover Series" ...

Regards,
Marcus

This message has been edited by Marcus Hanke on 2011-05-31 06:20:38

Any De Luca out there?

By: ztirual : May 24th, 2011-14:22

I truly love this watch.... a bit of a 'butch' watch, dare I say, with a busy dial and thick, maculine handles and markers. Connoiseurs will have noticed the absence of El Primero markings on the dial and likewise on the crown (hardly noticeable on the pi...

Only a modern interpretation of a vintage El Primero in my collection . . .

By: Dr No : May 25th, 2011-10:05

. . . but I wouldn't mind adding a real vintage model such as this . . . . . . someday. I've been apprehensive in the past due to the potential for purchasing one that turned out to have excessive wear that due to lack of maintenance, but mrsnak discovere...

sharp

By: playtime : May 25th, 2011-20:34

really like the dial and hands on this one. J

the perfect genetical sporty watch, congratulations.

By: luc00 : May 27th, 2011-11:29

Here is my ex ....

By: Marcus Hanke : May 27th, 2011-11:45

The screwed down pushers reveal that this watch is from the last production series, already equipped with a sapphire crystal. What I liked about the De Luca was its slim case. I think that even a watch with a large diameter looks better on the wrist when ...

fantastic watch, I admire your resolution...I would not have been able..

By: luc00 : May 29th, 2011-13:19

to get rid of it...even it the function was not fullfilled. cheers. Luc

Good legibility is one of my key requirements for a wristwatch ....

By: Marcus Hanke : May 31st, 2011-01:42

... which included luminous hands, a date and good contrast. Sooner or later, I sold all watches that were compromised in one or sevderal of these aspects, with the single exception. Therefore, the de Luca had to go, eventually. IN spite of its apparent a...

As a designer, i have to create for the different value people give to function ...

By: luc00 : May 31st, 2011-03:54

And aesthetics and the challenge is always to find the right balance between emotionionality and rationality for each target group. Some people say form follows function some others bet on emotionalizing the function which is compatible to a certain exten...

I think I agree ...

By: Marcus Hanke : May 31st, 2011-06:19

I've got a pair

By: ezinternet : May 29th, 2011-21:42

I couldn't decide which look I liked more. These are early, first generation, although not the very first issues - that would have your sword/non-Mercedes hand-set. The White "Panda" movement is marked calibre "40.0", so I would think it to be quite early...

Amazing pieces, interesting how the size perception changes ..

By: luc00 : May 30th, 2011-11:43

With the dial color. Congratulations on those fine timepieces. Best regards Luc

Thanks for posting these 2 beauties

By: ztirual : June 2nd, 2011-12:23

A stupid question maybe, but I can't resist asking you which one of these 2 sisters you appreciate the most and why? Which one of the 2 do you wear most and why? Maybe you love them and wear them just in equal measure. I tend to be attracted to the white ...

here is my luca and friends.

By: chronomtr : June 19th, 2011-08:05

...

A trio for me.

By: Panofsky : July 1st, 2011-09:49

I have two Mk 1s (black and white versions) and a later Cairelli special order in two-tone. It's interesting that the OP metions the non-matching lume as my black Mk 1 (bought NOS and still with the protective covering on) has lume in the hands that has f...

good to see you here, Dave

By: LouS : July 1st, 2011-15:29

I knew you'd 'represent' for the DeLucas sooner or later....

Thanks Lou

By: Panofsky : July 2nd, 2011-03:34

I just came across the thread by chance and thought I could contribute. Dave